For skin mounts, I hand-carve a body form specifically for the fish at hand to insure accurate anatomy reproduction. The skin is preserved, mounted on its form, dried, and then prepared for finishing. The fish’s colors are then reproduced and a high-gloss urethane applied that simulates its natural wet, slime-coat condition.

I use replica blanks reproduced by several manufacturers who I believe are the best at what they do. The blank is prepped and the same painting and finishing employed as with a skin mount.

Both skin mounts and replicas can be attached to a nice piece of Texas cedar or a hanger can be built to hang the fish directly on the wall.

How Fish Can Be Exhibited:

There are several different things that can be done to exhibit your fish:

1. The most common is to attach the fish to driftwood. I don’t use true driftwood from lakeshores, but rather Texas cedar pieces. This wood is clean, insect-free, cut to fit nicely on the wall, and reasonably priced.
2. Many customers prefer hanging their trophy directly on the wall. For them, I build an appropriate hanger to most attractively exhibit the fish.
3. I can add a lure you provide, though due to shipping complications, it might be best that you do this. I can also add a baitfish reproduced in plastic, though there is extra charge for this. With a baitfish, I will set it all up for you and include simple instructions for attachment.
4. Like a tabletop display? That can be done utilizing a piece of Texas cedar.
5. Have another idea? Contact me and we’ll see what can be done.